Happy Saturday!!! I hope this day brings you good food, football and general enjoyment. Most of all I hope today brings you some WINNERS.
I’m still on cloud nine from my 8-3 week in week 1. (“not a big deal”) I did have to look myself in the mirror this week about the FDC pick though. My struggle there has been well documented. Let’s make this the week I turn it around.
Here’s what I found in the early slate:
FDC: Oregon Vrs Ohio State U63.5
Big game under principle is in action on this pick. Remember the Penn State/Wisconsin game last week? Yeah, me too.
The model has this game being very close to the Vegas projection. It slightly favors Ohio State and the over. Very slightly though… just enough for me to go with the money and the sharps. UNDER
Purdue -33.5
Fading UConn on this one… It’s always good for the soul to lay a ton of points and stress over a 38-3 game.
UConn’s coach quit or got fired last week. Not sure which one but lets just say he’s not leaving early to take an NFL job. Maybe this gives the team a shot in the arm… but I think that’s unlikely based on what I’ve seen. Also, Purdue’s offense is the strength of this team. The top 25 passing game will throw all over the Huskies and I bet their run game will get it going today too. Give me the Boilermakers laying the points.
FDC: Air Force Vrs Navy U40.5
Service academy under principle. Two option offenses. Running clock. Hits at an 80% clip. UNDER
Temple Vrs Akron U52.5
The model highlighted this pick and I love it! Akron made me a lot of money going under last year. Most of the time it involved Akron getting blown out.
Normally this is where I’d insert Bernie Sanders to tell you “this isn’t going to happen again”. Not today. As bad as Temple looked last week against Rutgers, they’re still going to dominate Akron. I don’t see Akron scoring more than 17 points so I’ll take the UNDER and pucker my ass all game.
Georgia Southern +7
The model has this a a very close game with a slight edge to Georgia Southern over FAU. Normally I’d be worried about taking the significantly less talented team but I’m picking up what the model is putting down this week. Give me the Eagles to keep it close against the Owls.
FDC: Texas A&M TT O33.5
I have a strong anti-offense bias. It probably all stems from watching A&M’s offense post-Johnny Football. But I’m loving what I’m seeing from the offense this year. Jimbo’s got the team playing with some pace, Haynes King is slinging it around, and the backfield is deep and proven. I think A&M hangs at least 40 against Colorado. Hopefully the Aggies beat the Buffs to Chig-gar-roo-gar-rem? I’m not sure what it means but the Aggies love streaming that part of the War Hymn so I’m rolling with it.
FDC: Iowa +4.5
Model has this as a very tight game. It’s predicting 24-24. If I got to pick it, I’ll take the points and cheer for a close and exciting game.
SMU -22.5
The principled guy in me wants to run to the window and take the under. 73 is a lot of points… But the model believer in me says, in the words of Lee Corso, “not so fast”. The model actually spit the over as a pick. This game has the highest points total of week 2 for good reason. Southern Methodist and North Texas are both in the top 15 in pace. So I’ll stay away from the total.
FDC: Texas -7
I’ll take the bait on this one. I’m well aware of how teasing this line looks. Also well aware the sharps and the money are on Arkansas. I don’t really care… I’m expecting Texas to be the more talented and motivated team this week. I think that’s the edge in this one. I think Texas is still getting discounted because of the “Texas is back” culture. I think this team doesn’t care.
Probably just pissed off the Aggies I just got on my side 3 picks ago… but give me the Horns.